Maguire’s M Grill and Tap By Jim White Dial M for Maguire. Dial M for Modano. Dial M for mainstream. Dial M for the M Grill and Tap. Offshoot of the popular North Dallas restaurant Maguire’s. Mark Maguire and his brothers took the magic formula that worked so well for them up North—comfortable setting, friendly service, comfort food, plenty of libations—and added the cache of Stars Mike Modano as an investor and the cool Uptown location once inhabited by Arcodoro/Pomodoro. The result is a scaled back Maguire’s in terms of food, service and wine. Chef Cherif Brahmi is at the helm here, too, but the menu items are more casual, more bar and grill in nature, and better suited for the neighborhood clientele than some of the more ambitious preparations in the original locale. Maybe because a sports star is involved in the place and because the bar dominates the dining room and about a dozen TV monitors hang from every conceivable angle in the restaurant, people got the impression M Grill and Tap is a sports bar. Not so, says Mark Maguire. Watch the Stars, Mavs, Cowboys and Rangers, sure, but CNN and The Sopranos will shine from the sets, too.  M Grill and Tap looks right for the neighborhood. It’s becoming a popular hangout for the youngish, mostly professional urban dwellers who relish conversation, casual atmosphere, free flowing beer, wine and spirits, and ample, easy food—in that order. Chow down on calamari, nachos, cheese fries, quesadillas, plus Texas escargot, smoked salmon and ahi tuna for starters. Too fancy? Go with one of the excellent wood fired pizzas. Barbecue chicken was a taste treat. A host of salads offer meal in themselves choices like Southwest Chicken, Salmon and Spinach and Classic Cobb.  Fill up on big ol’ burgers and sandwiches, slathered with yummy condiments, cheeses and fries. Go beyond munchies with some M specialties that show some of Chef Brahmi’s classical training—like Maple-Ginger Salmon with basmati rice and wok-seared vegetables. Very tasty despite the lack of ginger and the overabundance of cooking time for the fish. Mr. Harris’ chicken is as satisfying a domestic fowl dish as I’ve had. A succulent grilled chicken breast is smothered in sautéed mushrooms, artichoke hearts, capers and diced tomatoes and drizzled with a Chardonnay-lemon beurre blanc sauce. Fave-Raves like Maguire’s meatloaf and the Mesquite grilled pork chop are also available at the M. Also featured on the extensive menu are big steaks, beef bourguignon, a rack of ribs, plus swimmers Ahi Tuna and Mahi Mahi.  Desserts follow the comfort food formula. Lava cake, cheesecake, apple tart and crème brulee are house features. The wine list is eclectic with many offerings by the glass. It’s not a list for collectors or wine snobs. It covers the bases, in case you’re not in the mood for a brewski. It’s a good spot for a business lunch or a friends-for-all dinner. Don’t expect quiet corners for intimate conversation. It’s exposed brick, wood and TV sets, but NOT a sports bar. Come to think of it, it makes a great spot for a blind date. Watch the game. Have a burger. Thanks and goodnight. On the KRLD Restaurant Show Review Scale of One to Five Forks, Maguire’s M Grill and Tap rates 3 and a Half Forks. Food is 3 and a Half Forks. Service is 3 and a Half Forks. Atmosphere is 3 Forks. Price is moderately expensive with entrées ranging from $10.95 to $25. M Grill and Tap is located at 2520 Cedar Springs in Dallas. For more information call 214-220-1130. Reservations for parties of six or more only. Send me an Email: jwdineline@aol.com